Re: A dose of reality, continued

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

It seems to me:

(1) The incidence of cancer increased significantly, and, there is no 
doubt that this is a statistically proven accounting.

(2) We know that if KI is taken right after a release, the thyroid 
essentially blocks the uptake of I-131.

(3) The cost of stock-piling is not a significant issue when one 
takes into account the cost of treating the thyroid cases that could 
be prevented. The fact that many thyroid cases are not fatal, there 
is a significant cost to the patients as well as to society. Insurance 
costs reflect the treatments and we all share in the cost ultimately.

(4) There is no significant evidence that mass distribution of KI 
causes serious side effects to those who may be allergic. If there 
is this evidence, I am not aware of it. In any event, the side effects 
to a few can not eliminate the minimization of the increased cancer 
rates without benefit of the KI.

(5) Why warn the public within the 10 mile EPZ if not to take all 
preventative measures. What's the point in calling for sheltering, or 
evacuation, if we can't minimize their exposure to any releases of I-
131, if there is a release of large magnitude. Granted, TMI did not 
have a large release, but what's to say that another incident won't 
see a large release.

In conclusion, I think it's prudent to stockpile, analyze the medical 
effects of taking the KI and be more detailed in the pros and cons. 
Perhaps distribution may be restricted to a certain population, 
maybe not. The only thing I know positively is,,,,, distribution of and 
taking KI does reduce thyroid cancers. Isn't that one of the bottom 
line criteria?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sandy Perle					Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100   				    	
Director, Technical				Extension 2306 				     	
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Division		Fax:(714) 668-3149 	                   		    
ICN Biomedicals, Inc.				E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net 				                           
ICN Plaza, 3300 Hyland Avenue  		E-Mail: sperle@icnpharm.com          	          
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Personal Website:  http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/1205
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html